Combined dissecting, cauterizing, and stapling device

ABSTRACT

A medical device for simultaneously cutting tissue with a heating element, cauterizing the tissue with sealing elements, and stapling the tissue together. The heating elements comprise bipolar RF electrodes.

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.10/037,625, filed Jan. 3, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,602,252.

FIELD OF THE INVENTIONS

The devices described below relate to instruments and methods forsealing, joining, and cutting tissue.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONS

Many surgical procedures require that body lumens and other tissue becut and sealed. It is sometimes desirable to close the lumen ends withstaples or clips and then to cauterize the tissue at or near theincision to prevent bleeding.

These procedures are frequently used in laparoscopic surgery. Forexample, one bowel resection procedure involves stapling each end of thecolon closed, cutting the colon with a razor or scalpel, and thencauterizing the closed ends with heating elements. Various proceduresand devices have been created to perform these tasks more efficiently.

Yates, Hemostatic Surgical Cutting or Stapling Instrument, U.S. Pat. No.5,624,452 (Apr. 29, 1998), discloses a laparoscopic stapler that usestwo rows of staples aligned parallel to each other, with each series ofstaples aligned parallel to its jaw members. A razor is disposed betweenthe rows of staples, to cut the tissue, and two parallel heatingelements are disposed to either side of the razor to cauterize eitherside of the wound.

For operations which require dividing and stapling large body vessels,such as the colon, bleeding can be greatly reduced vis-à-vis the staplerand cutter of the above references with the devices and methodsdisclosed below.

SUMMARY

The methods and devices described below combine a stapler, a thermalcutting element, and cauterizing elements all in the same instrument. Onthe outer edge of the device run parallel rows of staples oriented sothat they are parallel to the length of the jaws. Inside the rows ofstaplers are two parallel rows of sealing elements used forcauterization. In the center is a cutting element used to separatetissue.

The combined stapler and triple-wire instrument is also referred to as alaparoscopic dissecting instrument. The laparoscopic dissectinginstrument is useful for performing a variety of surgical procedures,including laparoscopic colectomies and laparoscopic appendectomies.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates the overall laparoscopic dissecting instrument.

FIG. 2 shows a patient with a diseased section of colon that must besurgically removed and illustrates surgical entry points typically usedin a colectomy.

FIG. 3 shows the jaws of the laparoscopic dissecting instrumentperforming a cut and seal procedure on a section of colon.

FIG. 4 shows the two large intestine ends cut and sealed.

FIG. 5 shows one end of the newly cut large intestine being cut again toform a new opening in the healthy intestine.

FIG. 6 shows how the two large intestine ends are joined together andthen cut and sealed again.

FIG. 7 illustrates the opening made by the procedure in FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 shows how a third cut and seal procedure closes the two largeintestine ends together, allowing the flow of waste through the newlyjoined colon.

FIG. 9 illustrates a configuration for the grasping face of the inferiorjaw that would leave no scrap when used.

FIG. 10 illustrates in detail the grasping faces of the superior andinferior jaws.

FIG. 11 shows a cross section of the superior and inferior jaws whenclamped together on a section of large intestine.

FIG. 12 illustrates a cross section of the inferior jaw and superior jawand shows the action of the actuator wedges.

FIG. 13 illustrates the distal tip of the proximal handle.

FIG. 14 illustrates the grasping faces of the superior and inferior jawsfor a version of the laparoscopic dissecting instrument modified to clipsmaller body lumens.

FIG. 15 illustrates a cross section of the modified instrument shown inFIG. 14.

FIG. 16 shows an embodiment of the laparoscopic dissecting instrumentwith bipolar RF electrodes for sealing elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONS

FIG. 1 illustrates the overall laparoscopic surgical instrument 1. Onthe distal end of the instrument are a first, or superior, jaw 2 and asecond, or inferior, jaw 3 rotatably mounted to a rigid insertionsection of rod, or tube 4, adapted for insertion into a laparoscopicwork space. The jaws are also operably connected, through the insertionrod 4, to a grasping lever 5 on the proximal handle, or handle section,6 of the instrument. When the grasping lever 5 is depressed, thesuperior jaw 2 will close on the inferior jaw 3 with a forceproportionate to the distance the grasping lever 5 is depressed. Whenthe grasping lever 5 is released the jaws will disengage, releasingtheir grip. In addition, a mechanism allows the surgeon to lock the jawsin the closed position.

Disposed within the inferior jaw 3 are two rows of staples, a left rowof staples 7 and a right row of staples 8, that run parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the inferior jaw 3. Each row of staples maycomprise multiple rows of staples. The staples comprise standardsurgical staples, though they may be surgical clips when thelaparoscopic surgical instrument 1 is used for different procedures,such as ligation of blood vessels. A stapler mechanism on the staplerhead 9 is operably connected to a stapler lever 10 such that when thestapler lever 10 is depressed the staples 7 are ejected from thecartridge and pushed through any body tissue proximate to the cartridge.Any tissue inside the jaws will then be stapled together.

Disposed just inside the two rows of staples 7 and 8 are two parallelrows of sealing elements used to heat or cauterize tissue. A sealingelement comprises a heating element that can be raised to a temperaturesufficient to cauterize and seal tissue. Electric current is supplied tothe sealing elements from an electric current source 11 and regulated byone or more control boxes 12, all of which are operated by the surgeon.The current source 11 may be an AC to DC power converter plugged into anoutlet, or may be one or more batteries. A left control dial 13, orcontroller, controls the temperature of a left sealing element 14 byadjusting the current flow though the left sealing element. The leftcontrol dial 13 is located on the left side of the handle 6 and isoperably connected to the left sealing element 14 and to the powersource 11. A right sealing element 15 is similarly connected to thecurrent source 11. A right control dial, or controller, controls thetemperature of the right sealing element 15 by adjusting the currentflow through the right sealing element. The right control dial islocated on the right side of the handle 6 and is operably connected tothe right sealing element 15 and to the power source 11. Each controldial can be independently operated to control the amount of heat appliedthrough each individual sealing element. Alternatively, the controldials may be formed with only “on” and “off” positions so that thetemperature of the sealing elements remains set at a level determined bythe manufacturer. The control dials may be replaced with levers,buttons, switches, or other suitable mechanisms to control how much, ifany, heat is applied to the heating elements. The control mechanisms maybe located on the proximal handle 6, as shown, or on the control box 12or current source 11.

Disposed along the center of the grasping face of the inferior jaw 3 isa cutting element 16 used to sever or cut tissue. A cutting elementcomprises a heating element that can be heated to a temperaturesufficient to sever tissue. The cutting element 16 is operably connectedto a cutting element control dial 17, or controller, located on the backof the proximal handle 6, and to the power source 11. The cuttingelement control dial 17, operably connected to the power source 11 andthe cutting element 16, controls the temperature of the cutting element16. Alternatively, the cutting element control dial may be formed withonly “on” and “off” positions so that the temperature of the sealingelements remains set at a level determined by the manufacturer. Thecutting element control dial 17 may be replaced with any suitablecontrol mechanism for adjusting temperature, such as buttons, levers, orswitches.

FIGS. 2 through 8 show how the surgical instrument 1 is used in atypical laparoscopic colectomy, or bowel resection. FIG. 2 shows apatient 19 with a diseased section of colon 20, shown with hatch marks,which must be surgically removed. The stomach 21 and large intestine 22are shown for reference to indicate their position inside the body. Asurgeon begins the operation by making incisions at one or more points23, 24, and 25. One of the incisions is used to insert the laparoscopicdissecting instrument 1 into the abdomen and the other incisions aretypically used to insert other devices used in the surgery. The surgeonthen uses the laparoscopic dissecting instrument 1 to first cut and thenremove the diseased section of colon from the body. Dashed lines 26 and27 show where the surgeon cuts the colon to remove the diseased portion20.

FIG. 3 shows the jaws of the laparoscopic dissecting instrument 1performing a cut and seal procedure on a section of colon 22 at cut line27 of FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the instrument 1 firmly grasps thecolon at a point relatively far from the section of diseased colon 20,which is shown with hatch marks beginning at demarcation line 29. Theleft and right sealing elements are heated to the point where the tissueis cauterized to prevent bleeding and leakage of fluids. Typically, theleft and right sealing elements are heated to a temperature range of 45°to 99° Celsius. However, due to significant heat transfer losses thesealing elements may be operated above 99° Celsius so that the tissueexperiences a temperature of about 95° to 99° Celsius. At thosetemperatures the tissue is cauterized and sealed fairly quickly, over afew seconds, but not severed.

After heat sealing, the staples are fired or deployed to seal off thetwo sections of colon. Alternatively, the staples are fired at the sametime the tissue is heat sealed. Next, the cutting element is elevated toa temperature high enough to cause the tissue to separate, thus severingthe two sections of colon. Alternatively, the staples are fired and thetissue heat sealed simultaneously with cutting. Typically, the cuttingelement is heated to a temperature over 100° Celsius. However, thecutting element is usually not operated at extremely high temperatures,more than several hundred degrees Celsius, because of the possibility ofdamage to surrounding tissue or to the instrument.

FIG. 4 shows the two large intestine 22 ends after the cut and sealprocedure. The left dissected edge 30 and right dissected edge 31 havebeen cauterized by the cutting action of the cutting element. Justinside the wounds are bands of cauterized tissue 32, placed there by theleft and right sealing elements. These bands of cauterized tissue sealthe colon's anterior and posterior sides together, prevent bleeding, andassist in preventing waste from leaking out of the colon. Proximal tothe bands of cauterized tissue 32 are three rows of surgical staples 33that provide most of the securing force necessary to keep the colonsealed permanently. Each row of staples is slightly offset from theother. Note that additional rows of staples can be made by firing oractivating the stapler multiple times or by providing a stapler withmore rows of staples.

The procedure shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is repeated on the other side ofthe section of diseased colon 20 along cut line 26. The diseased sectionof colon 20 is then removed from the patient 19. Subsequently, the tworemaining healthy sections of colon are joined together to restore theflow of waste, as shown in FIGS. 5 through 8.

FIG. 5 shows one end of the newly cut large intestine 22 being cut againto form a new opening in the healthy intestine. The surgeon cuts alongline 34 with a standard laparoscopic cutting instrument, resulting in adiagonal opening 35 in the intestine. This procedure is repeated withthe other intestine end.

FIG. 6 shows how the two large intestine ends are next joined togetherand then cut and sealed again. The two sections of colon 22 are broughttogether, with their open ends 35 placed next to each other as shown.The jaws of the laparoscopic dissecting instrument 1 then grip the wallsof the two sections of colon such that the proximal end of the jaws 36is placed at the edges 37 of the open colon sections. Thus, a portion ofeach colon section is trapped between the jaws. The jaws are thenclosed, the tissue cauterized, the staples fired, and the tissue cut asdescribed above.

FIG. 7 illustrates the opening made by the procedure in FIG. 6. The cutand seal procedure leaves a “V” shaped wound 38 that creates a passagebetween the walls of the two sections of colon 22. The passage 38 islarge enough to allow waste to flow between the two sections of colon.

FIG. 8 shows how a third cut and seal procedure closes the two largeintestine 22 ends together. The open ends of the colon section 35 shownin FIG. 6 are clamped together with the jaws of the laparoscopicinstrument. Then the seal, staple, and cut procedures are repeated. Theresult is that both colon ends are sealed together, creating a passagethough which waste can flow (as shown by arrows 39). Note that a scrapof colon tissue 40 remains after this step, which is removed anddiscarded once the colon sections have been successfully joined.

FIG. 9 illustrates a configuration for the grasping face of the inferiorjaw 3 which would leave no scrap when used in a procedure different thanthat shown in FIGS. 2 through 8. In this configuration, the left side 41of the grasping face is devoid of sealing elements and staples (such asthose shown in FIG. 1). Thus, no scrap remains when the right sealingelement 15, right row of staples 8, and the cutting element 16 are usedon the ends of the colon shown in FIG. 7. Alternatively, the same resultcan be obtained by using the grasping face configuration shown in FIG.1. In this case, the surgeon fires only one set of rows of staples anduses only the sealing element next to that set of rows of staples toseal the tissue.

In addition to the configuration of staple rows, sealing elements, andcutting element shown in FIG. 9, other configurations are possible. Forexample, the inferior jaw 3 may be designed with opposite symmetry suchthat the sealing element and staples are on the left side of the cuttingelement 16. In another example, the placement of the heating elementsand staple rows may be asymmetrical(or one of the two sealing elementsmay be turned off) if advantageous for a particular technique.

FIG. 10 illustrates the stapling head of FIG. 1 in detail, with thesuperior and inferior jaws laid open relative to each other for clearillustration of detail. The stapling head comprises the first graspingface 2 a, or the grasping face of the superior jaw 2 and a secondgrasping face 2 b, or the grasping face of the inferior jaw 3. Along theright and left sides of the grasping face of the inferior jaw 3 lie tworows of staples, a left row of staples 7 and a right row of staples 8.Each row of staples comprises a series of staples oriented along thelongitudinal axis of the inferior jaw 3. Each staple is comprised of atypical surgical staple. Although only two rows of staples are shown inFIG. 10, the inferior jaw 3 could easily be made wider to accommodatemore rows of staples. Typically about 2 to 8 rows of staples areprovided, with matching numbers of rows of staples located on eitherside of the inferior jaw 3. For convenience during manufacture or use,the staples may be disposed within a cartridge 52 which is furtherdisposed in the trough-like body of the inferior jaw. This cartridge maybe first loaded with staples, then inserted into the jaw. If a re-usabledevice is desired, the cartridge may be removably attachable into theinferior jaw, so that surgeons can discharge staples to establish ajoint, remove the device from the laparoscopic worksite, remove thespent cartridge and replace it with a new, loaded cartridge. If adisposable device is desired, the cartridge may be fixedly attached tothe inferior jaw, or the jaw may be fabricated without a distinctcartridge (that is, the cartridge may be formed integrally with thejaw).

Along the right and left sides of the grasping face of the superior jaw2 lay two rows of staple anvils, a right row of anvils 42 and a left rowof anvils 43, comprising typical dimpled staple anvils. Each anvil isoriented along the longitudinal axis of the superior jaw 2 and alignedto match the rows of staples 7 and 8. Although only two rows of stapleanvils are shown on either side of the superior jaw 2, the superior jawcould easily be made wider to accommodate more rows of staple anvils.Typically about 2 to 8 rows of staple anvils are provided, with matchingnumbers of rows of staple anvils located on either side of the superiorjaw 2.

Disposed just inside the two rows of staples 7 and 8 on the inferior jaw3 are two parallel rows of sealing elements, or electrically resistivewires, used to cauterize tissue. The sealing elements generally liealong the long axis of the stapler head 9, though radially offset fromthe long axis. The left sealing element 14 is operably connected to thepower source 11 and to the left control dial 13. A right sealing element15 is similarly connected to the power source 11 and the right controldial. To ensure that tissue is not cut when it should be sealed, bothsealing elements are operably connected to the control box 12 so thatneither element can heat up to a temperature exceeding a pointpredetermined by the manufacturer. The predetermined maximum temperatureis about 99° Celsius to about 105° Celsius. The exact temperaturedepends on the intended application of the device, though the tissue tobe sealed should not exceed a temperature of 99° Celsius.

Both sealing elements are comprised of a material with a positivetemperature coefficient, a high resistance or both, such as a NiCralloy, NiTi alloy, stainless steel, FeCr alloy, NiCrAl alloy carbon orother suitable elements and alloys available from vendors such asWiretron. The width of the sealing elements is from about 0.008″ toabout 0.020″. For devices intended for colectomy, the sealing elementscomprise nichrome and are typically about 0.010″ to about 0.012″ wide.The heating elements may be provided with non-stick surface coatings.

Disposed along the long axis, or center, of the grasping face of theinferior jaw is a cutting element 16, or electrically resistive wire,used to sever tissue. The width of the cutting element is about 0.008″to about 0.020″, depending on the application, and is made of the samematerials as the sealing elements. For devices intended for colectomiesthe cutting element is typically about 0.010″ wide to about 0.012″ wide.The cutting element 16 is operably connected to the power source 11 anda control dial 17 that controls the temperature of the cutting element16. The temperature of the cutting element 16 is designed to operate ata temperature of about 100° Celsius to several hundred degrees Celsius.However, to prevent damage to the device and to surrounding tissue, anelectrical control mechanism prevents the temperature of the cuttingelement 16 from exceeding about 580° Celsius.

For all three heating elements the temperature is measured withthermocouples or thermistors disposed in proximity to the heatingelements, and the heating elements are controlled by adjusting thecurrent flow or voltage through the elements in response to the measuredtemperature of the elements. Alternatively, other measurement schemescould be used, such as measuring the radiant heat from the elements ormeasuring the temperature of the grasping face proximate the heatingelements, or directly measuring the temperature of the tissue trappedbetween the jaws during use.

Located in the center of the grasping face of the superior jaw 2, andsized to accommodate all three heating elements 14, 15, and 16, is aresilient anvil 44 that runs along the longitudinal axis of the superiorjaw 2. The resilient anvil 44 is made of a substantially resilient,non-stick material that is thermally resistant (stable at hightemperatures). Suitable materials include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)(available as Teflon®), graphite, Kapton®, mica, or silicone. Theresilient anvil 44 evens out pressure against tissue and insulates thesuperior jaw 2 electrically and thermally. The anvil 44 also preventsheat dissipation and focuses heat from the three heating elements onspecific areas of tissue, thus helping to prevent damage to surroundingtissues. However, within the local area of the sealing or cuttingelements, the resilient anvil 44 helps to spread heat evenly on thetissue intended to be cut or sealed. In addition, the resilient anvil 44may incorporate thermally reflective material, or material with lowthermal conductivity, as layers or coatings. Useful reflecting or lowthermal conductivity materials include ceramics, thermally reflectivemetals, and thermally reflective polymers, such as Mylar® polymericcompositions. By insulating and reflecting the heat generated by theheating elements, the coated resilient anvil 44 minimizes powerconsumption and further limits heating of surrounding tissue.

At the proximal end of the inferior jaw 3 are a right power conductor45, a middle power conductor 46, and a left power conductor 47 thatconduct electrical power from the power source 11 to the three heatingelements, 14, 15, and 16. Inferior to the power conductors, shown inshadow, are a right ground wire 48, a middle ground wire 49, and a leftground wire 50 that connect the heating elements to ground.

FIG. 11 shows a cross section of the superior jaw 2 and inferior jaw 3clamped together on a section of large intestine 22. The cross sectionis taken at the point where the three heating elements terminate at thedistal end of the inferior jaw 3. For reference, the resilient anvil 44and the staple anvils 43 are shown in cross section. Also visible fromthis perspective is a cartridge 52, which fits snugly into the inferiorjaw 3.

The cartridge 52 comprises a heating element support 53, that is anintegral part of the cartridge; two rows of staple drivers 54, which areoperably disposed within actuator wedge channels 55; a series of staples7 disposed superior to the staple drivers 54; and the three heatingelements 14, 15, and 16, which are securely attached to the superiorside of the heating element support 53. If provided in releasablyattachable form, the cartridge 52 allows the staples 7 and heatingelements 14, 15, and 16 to be easily replaced after the surgeon uses thecartridge 52. The surgeon simply removes the laparoscopic dissectinginstrument from the patient and replaces the used cartridge with a freshcartridge. Each fresh cartridge is loaded with staples and carries newheating elements.

The heating element support 53 is made of a thermal insulator but,unlike the resilient anvil 44, the heating element support 53 is madefrom a relatively hard substance so that the three heating elements aresupported when the jaws, 2 and 3, grip tissue. The heating elementsupport 53 is made from polyamide coated with non-stick Teflon® backedby steel, carbon, ceramics, mica, Teflon®, fiberglass composite, Kevlar®composite, or other non-electrically insulating material with a highdielectric constant. The heating element support 53 is sized andproportioned to be at the same height as the inferior jaw when thecartridge is fully inserted. Thus, the jaws can maintain a tight gripwhen closed. In alternate configurations, the heating element support 53may be disposed higher than the grasping face of the lower jaw toaccommodate bulky tissue.

The three heating elements are electrically connected to ground wires.Each heating element 14, 15, and 16 is respectively electricallyconnected to the right ground wire 56, the central ground wire 57, andthe left ground wire 58. Ground is conducted through wires 56, 57, and58, which pass through cartridge along channels 59 in the inferiorportion of the heating element support, across the contacts in theinferior jaw 3 to ground wires 48, 49, and 50 running through thelaparoscopic dissecting instrument 1, and ultimately to the power supply11.

The heating elements are placed in electrical contact with theconducting wires whenever a cartridge is inserted into the inferior jaw3. Likewise, the ground wires in the cartridge are placed in electricalcontact with the insulated ground wires 48, 49, and 50 whenever acartridge is inserted into the inferior jaw 3.

FIG. 12 illustrates a cross section of the inferior jaw 3 and superiorjaw 2 and shows the action of the actuator wedges 62. The actuatorwedges 62 are operably connected to the stapler lever 10 by a drive rod63. When stapler lever 10 is depressed the drive rod 63 forces theactuator wedges 62 into the actuator wedge channels 55. As the actuatorwedges 62 enter the channels 55 the actuator wedges force eachsucceeding staple driver 54 towards the staple openings. This, in turn,causes the staples 7 to drive in succession through the tissue of thecolon and into the staple anvils 43 of the superior jaw 2. The staplesthen deform under pressure, molded by the anvils to grasp the colontissue. The process is illustrated by staples 6 a and 6 b being moldedinto anvils 43 a and 43 b. The result is that the staples join the twosides of the colon together, just as one would staple two pieces ofpaper together.

FIG. 13 shows a view of the distal tip 64 of the proximal handle 6 andthe grasping face of the superior jaw 2. The staple anvils 43 andresilient anvil 44 are shown for reference. In this view, the inferiorjaw 3 is shown in shadow in order to illustrate the actuator wedges 62and electrical contacts. To facilitate the ease of snapping thedisposable cartridge 52 into the inferior jaw 3, the actuator wedges 62can be fully withdrawn into the wedge channel 55 unless the staplerlever 10 is depressed.

Also shown in FIG. 13 are a set of electrical ground contacts,comprising a right ground contact 66, a central ground contact 67, and aleft ground contact 68. Each of these contacts are placed respectivelyin contact with the ground wires 45, 46, and 47 when the disposablecartridge is inserted into the inferior jaw. Likewise, the electricalpower contacts comprise a right power contact 69, a central powercontact 70, and a left power contact 71. Each of these contacts areplaced respectively in contact with heating elements 14, 15, and 16 whenthe disposable cartridge is inserted into the inferior jaw.

Typically, the inferior jaw 3 is a permanent part of the distal tip 64of the laparoscopic dissecting instrument 1 and the disposable cartridge52 is removably attached to a channel formed in the inferior jaw 3.However, from the perspective in FIG. 11 one can see that the entireinferior jaw may be modified to be removably attached to the distal tip64 of the instrument 1. Thus, the entire inferior jaw 3 would comprisethe disposable cartridge. In this case the distal end of the instrumentis fitted with a cartridge channel 72. The cartridge channel has asecuring means such that the inferior jaw may be removably, but securelysnapped into place. The electrical contacts and actuator wedge channels55 of the inferior jaw would align with the distal tip 64 of theinstrument to allow operation of the device.

FIG. 14 illustrates the grasping faces of the superior jaw 2 andinferior jaw 3 of a version of the laparoscopic dissecting instrument 1modified to clip smaller body lumens. The resilient anvil 44, left 14sealing element, right sealing element 15, and cutting element 16 areshown for reference. Clips 78 replace the staples and the entireinstrument 1 is sized appropriately for a targeted lumen, typically ablood lumen. The superior jaw 2 is modified so that the two rows ofstaple anvils comprise two rounded anvils 79. As with the staplinginstrument, the width of the jaws may be increased to accommodateadditional clips and clip anvils. Typically one to three clips and clipanvils are provided on each side of the heating elements. The adaptedlaparoscopic dissecting instrument 1 may be used with a variety ofsurgical techniques where blood lumens are ligated and cut. Exampletechniques include vein harvest, the Linton procedure, renal arterysurgery, liver surgery, and splenectomies.

FIG. 15 illustrates a cross-section of the modified laparoscopicdissecting instrument 1 being used to clip a blood lumen. The principalof operation is the same as with the stapling instrument. The inferiorjaw 3 is modified so that it contains only two clips 78 and two parallelclip drivers 81. The lumen 82 to be cut and sealed is placed between thetwo clip ends and then the stapler lever 10 is depressed. Depressing thestapler lever 10 causes the drive rod 63 to force modified actuatorwedges 83 into the wedge channels 55. The actuator wedges 83 drive theclip drivers 81 upwards. In turn, the clip drivers force the two clips78 into the anvils 79 such that the clips will deform to squeeze andseal off the lumen 82. Afterwards, the lumen is thermally sealed and cutas described above for sealing and cutting the colon.

FIG. 16 shows an embodiment of the laparoscopic dissecting instrument 1with bipolar RF electrodes 90, 91, 92 and 93 for sealing elements. Thebipolar electrodes are suitable for transmitting RF energy at powerlevels sufficient to seal tissue. The superior jaw 2 and the inferiorjaw 3 each have matching pairs of bipolar electrodes disposed on thejaws. A cutting element 16 is disposed on the firm, thermally insulatingcutting element support 53 in the inferior jaw. A resilient, thermallyinsulating anvil 44, suitable for receiving and meeting the cuttingelement and intervening tissue when the jaws close, is disposed in thesuperior jaw. Insulating housings 94 and 95 cover the outer surfaces ofthe jaws and protect tissue external to the operation site. The featuresdescribed above in relation to FIGS. 1 and 10 through 15 may beincorporated into the device illustrated in FIG. 16, such as the staplecartridge and proximal operating mechanisms, and the cartridge mayinclude the staples and staple driver and the cutting element andheating elements as illustrated in relation to the resistive heatingembodiments.

Electrode 90 on the inferior jaw and electrode 91 on the superior jaware operably paired, through RF generator 96, to operate as bipolarelectrodes. Likewise, electrode 92 on the inferior jaw and electrode 93on the superior jaw are operably paired through the RF generator tooperate as bipolar electrodes. Suitable conductors run through theinsertion rod 4 to the RF generator 96 which is operable to provide RFpower in the range of about 475 kHz, at power levels of about 50 toabout 500 watts. Different power levels may be appropriate for devicesintended for distinctly different surgeries. The electrodes are disposedon opposing grasping faces of the inferior and superior jaws so thatclosure of the jaws brings the electrodes into opposing relationship.When tissue is trapped between the jaws heating element 16 is operatedto divide the tissue, and electrode pairs 90 and 91, and 92 and 93, areoperated in bipolar fashion to seal the divided tissue.

The sealing elements may also comprise monopolar, ultrasound heatingelements, or microwave heating elements. Whatever the technology used,the sealing elements are capable of raising the target tissue to atemperature sufficient to seal the tissue and cauterize bleeding bloodvessels.

In other embodiments the cutting element may comprise a monopolarelectrode disposed in the superior and inferior jaws. In this case, themonopolar electrodes are suitable for transmitting RF energy sufficientto sever tissue. In addition, the cutting and sealing elements may alsocomprise microwave or ultrasonic elements suitable for cutting orsealing tissue, respectively. The control mechanisms may also bedesigned, or additional control mechanisms added, to provide appropriatemonopolar RF, microwave, or ultrasonic energy to the cutting or sealingelements if these alternative technologies are used. In still otherembodiments the jaws of the dissecting instrument may be provided withone or more rows of staples and matching rows of staple anvils in theopposing jaw. In yet other embodiments the sealing elements or rows ofstaples may be disposed on only one side of the cutting element, asdescribed in relation to FIG. 9.

While the preferred embodiments of the devices and methods have beendescribed in reference to the environment in which they were developed,they are merely illustrative of the principles of the inventions. Whilethe colectomy operation serves to illustrate the devices and methodswhich may be accomplished with the devices, many other surgicalprocedures may be accomplished with the device, such as laparoscopicappendectomy (for transection of the appendix), laparoscopiccholecystectomy (gall bladder removal), laparoscopic esophagectomy,laparoscopic splenectomy (for transection of the splenic hilum),hysterectomies, umbilical cord separation and various laparoscopicbiopsies and artery transections and dissections. Thus various lumens ofthe body may be dissected and ligated with the devices, and variousorgans, when disease or trauma requires, may be removed with thedevices. Other embodiments and configurations may be devised withoutdeparting from the spirit of the inventions and the scope of theappended claims.

I claim:
 1. A device for cutting and sealing body tissue comprising: an insertion rod; a first jaw and a second jaw extending from the insertion rod, said first and second jaws being operable to allow closure of the first and second jaws relative to each other, said first jaw having a first grasping face and said second jaw having a second grasping face, said first grasping face and said second grasping face aligned to meet each other upon closure of the first and second jaws; a cartridge disposed inside the second jaw, comprising: a support disposed in the cartridge; a cutting element comprising an electrically resistive wire disposed on the support and further disposed along the longitudinal axis of the insertion rod; a first pair of electrodes comprising a first electrode and a second electrode, said first electrode disposed on the first jaw and laterally spaced from and parallel to the longitudinal axis o: the insertion rod, and said second electrode disposed on the second jaw and laterally spaced from and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the insertion rod; wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are aligned to face each other upon closure of the jaws; and wherein the first pair of electrodes is operable as a pair of bipolar electrodes.
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein the device further comprises: a second pair of electrodes comprising a third electrode and a fourth electrode, said third electrode disposed on the first jaw and opposite the first electrode, and said fourth electrode disposed on the second jaw and opposite the second electrode; wherein the second pair of electrodes is aligned to face each other upon closure of the first and second jaws, and wherein the second pair of electrodes is operable as a pair of bipolar electrodes.
 3. The device of claim 2 wherein the cartridge further comprises: a first row of staples disposed within the cartridge, wherein said first row of staples is laterally spaced from and parallel to the first electrode; and wherein said first row of staples is operable to staple tissue disposed between the first jaw and the second jaw.
 4. The device of claim 3 wherein the cartridge further comprises: a second row of staples disposed within the cartridge, wherein said second row of staples is disposed opposite the first row of staples; and wherein said second row of staples is operable to staple tissue disposed between the first jaw and the second jaw.
 5. The device of claim 2 further comprising an RF generator for supplying RF energy to the first pair of electrodes.
 6. The device of claim 4 further comprising an RF generator for supplying RF energy to the first and second pairs of electrodes.
 7. A laparoscopic cutting and stapling device for use within a laparoscopic work space, said cutting and stapling device comprising: a laparoscopic stapling device having a rigid insertion section characterized by a distal end adapted for insertion into a laparoscopic work space and a proximal end, and defining a long axis of the device, a handle section mounted on the proximal end of the rigid insertion section, and a stapling head comprising a first jaw and a second jaw, wherein said first jaw has a first grasping face and said second jaw has a second grasping face, and the first and second jaws are operable to close relative to each other to bring the first and second grasping faces into opposing relationship to each other; a cartridge containing a first row of staples disposed within the first jaw, said cartridge being operable from the handle to eject the staples from the cartridge into body tissue, said first row of staples being arranged generally parallel to the long axis of the device and radially offset from the long axis of the device; a cutting element comprising an electrically resistive wire disposed over the first grasping face, parallel to the long axis of the device, in the center of the grasping face; a first pair of electrodes comprising a first electrode and a second electrode, said first electrode disposed on the first grasping face and laterally spaced from and parallel to the long axis of the device, and said second electrode disposed on the second grasping face and laterally spaced from and parallel to the long axis of the device; wherein the first pair of electrodes is aligned to face each other upon closure of the first and second jaws, and wherein the first pair of electrodes is operable as a pair of bipolar electrodes; an electric current source operably connected to the cutting element and an RF generator operably connected to the first pair of bipolar electrodes; a first controller operable to control current to the cutting element to heat the cutting element to temperatures sufficient to sever body tissue; and a second controller operable to control RF energy to the first pair of electrodes such that the first pair of electrodes is capable of transferring RF energy sufficient to heat body tissue disposed between the first pair of electrodes to temperatures sufficient to seal body tissue.
 8. The cutting and stapling device of claim 7 wherein the first electrode is disposed between the cutting element and the first row of staples.
 9. The cutting and stapling device of claim 7 further comprising: a second row of staples disposed within the cartridge, said cartridge being operable from the handle to eject the second row of staples from the cartridge into body tissue, said second row of staples being arranged generally parallel to the long axis of the device, radially offset from the long axis of the device opposite the first row of staples; a second pair of electrodes comprising a third electrode and a fourth electrode, said third electrode disposed on the first grasping face, arranged generally parallel to the long axis of the device and radially offset from the long axis of the device and opposite the first electrode, and said fourth electrode disposed on the second grasping face, arranged generally parallel to the long axis of the device and radially offset from the long axis of the device and opposite the second electrode; wherein the second pair of electrodes is aligned to face each other upon closure of the first and second jaws, and wherein the second pair of electrodes is operable as a pair of bipolar electrodes; and a third controller operable to control RF energy to the second pair of electrodes such that the second pair of electrodes is capable of transferring RF energy sufficient to heat body tissue disposed between the second pair of electrodes to temperatures sufficient to seal body tissue.
 10. The cutting and stapling device of claim 9 wherein: the first electrode is disposed between the cutting element and the first row of staples; and the third electrode is disposed between the cutting element and the second row of staples.
 11. A device for cutting and sealing body tissue comprising: an insertion rod; a first jaw and a second jaw extending from the insertion rod, said first and second jaws being operable to allow closure of the first and second jaws relative to each other, said first jaw having a first grasping face and said second jaw having a second grasping face, said first grasping face and said second grasping face aligned to meet each other upon closure of the first and second jaws; a support disposed in first jaw; a cutting element comprising an electrically resistive wire disposed on the support and further disposed along the longitudinal axis of the insertion rod; a first electrode disposed on the first jaw, said first electrode operably paired with a second electrode disposed on the second jaw, said first and second electrodes aligned to face each other upon closure of the first and second jaws, said first and second electrodes laterally spaced from and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the insertion rod, and said first and second electrodes operable as bipolar electrodes; a third electrode disposed on the first jaw, said third electrode operably paired with a fourth electrode disposed on the second jaw, said third and fourth electrodes aligned to face each other upon closure of the first and second jaws, said third and fourth electrodes laterally spaced from and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the insertion rod, said third electrode disposed opposite the first electrode and said fourth electrode disposed opposite the second electrode, and said third and fourth electrodes operable as bipolar electrodes.
 12. The device of claim 11 further comprising an RF generator for supplying RF energy to the first, second, third, and fourth electrodes. 